Are the European Women's World Cup play-offs working?

England’s dominant victory over Greece in the Women’s World Cup qualifying play-offs highlights persistent flaws in the current tournament structure, exposing how the system fails to deliver competitive or fair matches. The one-sided result underscores concerns over the fairness and unpredictability of the knockout format, raising questions about whether the format adequately tests teams or rewards genuine footballing merit. With such a stark contrast in performance, the match serves as a stark example of why critics argue the system needs urgent reform. Fans and pundits alike are now debating whether the current setup truly reflects the strength of women’s football.

The ease in which England saw off Greece in round one of the Women's World Cup qualifying play-offs showed just how inefficient the structure currently is.